Republican Pushes Bill to Shoot Down Mystery Drones

What’s New

Republican Representative Mark Green (TN) is urging Congress to pass a bill he introduced that would give local authorities the right to shoot down unmanned drones.

Green said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that it is “critical” the bill he introduced in June is approved amid security concerns over drones spotted across the U.S. in recent weeks. Green also made a similar plea during an appearance on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom on Monday.

Newsweek has contacted Green’s office for comment via email outside regular working hours.

Why It Matters

Hundreds of drones have been reported spotted in northeastern states such as New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, raising concerns about security threats and speculation of foreign involvement. Drones have also been seen in restricted airspaces, such as near airports and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Some politicians, including President-elect Donald Trump, and local residents have called for drones to be shot down to stop potential threats. However, authorities warn such actions would be illegal and could pose safety risks.

Federal agencies have the right to take down drones they deem a national security or public threat. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a joint statement saying there is no evidence the recent drone sightings in New Jersey “pose a national safety threat or have a foreign nexus.” The Pentagon has also stated the Federal Aviation Administration reports there are one million drones registered with the FAA, and that more than 8,000 drones are lawfully flown in the U.S. every single day.

Mark Green in DC — Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) speaks during a press conference on April 16, 2024. Green is urging that a bill he introduced to allow local law enforcement to shoot down drones gets passed.

ALLISON BAILEY/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images

What to Know

Green, chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, introduced a bill to amend the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act to give local law enforcement power to take down unmanned drones.

The bipartisan bill was introduced by Green along with Democrats including House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie Thompson and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler.

“My Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act of 2024 would not only renew and reform current legal authorities but provide the DHS and the DOJ with critical tools to mitigate credible threats posed by drones. We need to pass this critical legislation NOW,” Green posted on X on Tuesday.

The Republican lawmaker also urged Congress to pass the bill while criticizing federal agencies’ claims that there is no evidence the drones pose a threat.

“The fact that they’re out there saying there’s no evidence means that they have no knowledge. They don’t know what this is. And yes, of course, some of these wind up being manned flight, but not 5,000,” Green told Fox News’ America’s Newsroom.

“The DOD has the authority to shoot these things down. NORTHCOM has the authority to shoot them down, and nothing yet has happened. And you can’t find out what these things are until you get one in your hands.

“I have a bill in Congress we’re trying to push this thing through that will both extend the current authorities and also give that to local and state authorities,” Green added. “They need the ability, and they need the authorization to do so. And that bill will do it. It’s just three different jurisdictions taking time getting it through Congress.”

What People Are Saying

Georgia GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene on Truth Social: “I’m going to tell you right now that if they try to tell us all to stay inside, stay home, shelter in place ‘FOR OUR SAFETY’ from the drones, there is no way in hell I will comply with that absolute bullshit. Not doing it. No way. I’ll shoot the drones down myself along with every other red-blooded freedom-loving American.”

President-elect Donald Trump on Truth Social: “Mystery drone sightings all over the country. Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!”

Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder during a Monday press briefing: “The point being is that flying drones is not illegal. There are thousands of drones flown around the U.S. on a daily basis. So, as a result, it’s not that unusual to see drones in the sky, nor is it an indication of malicious activity or any public safety threat. We’ll continue to do everything possible to investigate reports of concerning activity. But given how many drones are lawfully in our skies every day, we need to be careful to avoid assuming malintent or malicious behavior.”